Marwan Osseiran has built a longstanding reputation for defending victims in serious criminal proceedings, including domestic and sexual assault, aggravated assault, complex fraud, weapons and narcotics offences, and mental health-related cases. He has acted for individuals facing extradition proceedings and grand jury indictments in the United States. His criminal defence practice, both at the trial and appellate levels, is defined by discretion, toughness, and strategic litigation in high-stakes environments.
2017 (Winter) – Counsel in preliminary hearing on sexual assault charges, Level III (Ontario Court of Justice).
2016–2017 (Summer–Spring) – Defence counsel in guilty plea and sentencing for sexual interference offences (Superior Court of Justice).
2016–2017 – Defence counsel in long and consistent child abuse offences case (plea, sentencing hearing, judgment).
2015–2017 (Summer–August) – Defence counsel for Iraqi refugee (double amputee, victim of war crimes) in multiple proceedings: habeas corpus, psychiatric treatment, medical committal, fitness to stand trial, psychiatric/risk assessments, sentencing, appeals.
2014–2016 (Winter–Winter) – Defence counsel for female accused (escort) on assault, aggravated assault, and assault with weapons charges. Charges withdrawn after psychiatric reports highlighted vulnerability and shifted focus to pimp/husband.
2011–2013 (Spring–Summer) – Defence counsel in KHIAR Project (major wiretap investigation on drug trafficking and conspiracy, 11 accused). Handled habeas corpus hearings, preliminary inquiries, guilty pleas, sentencing.
2010–2011 – Counsel for two co-accused facing extradition to USA (Grand Jury indictment: conspiracy, wire fraud, mail fraud). Assisted with plea bargains, appeared in Harrisburg proceedings.
2008–2017 – Defence counsel in Ontario:
Domestic abuse
Sexual offences
Criminal harassment
Criminal negligence causing bodily harm
Common & aggravated assault
Drug possession & trafficking
Fraud (credit cards, identity fraud, “black fraud” schemes)
Represented clients in bail hearings, pre-trials, plea bargains, guilty pleas, sentencing, trials, appeals (ineffective counsel, involuntary pleas, harsh/unusual sentences, wrongful convictions).
2008–2009 – Duty Counsel (Legal Aid Ontario): acted in habeas corpus, set-date court, plea court; advice on arrest and detention.